Consider the fact that over 90% of Oklahomans in our prisons and jails will return to our communities, and you’ll quickly realize the lack of infrastructure to support them. Conservatively, that’s 25,000 Oklahomans who will eventually come back to our communities to restart their lives and seek out jobs. In planning for the future of workforce development in our state, it is imperative we find a place for them.
The Criminal Justice Advisory Council of Oklahoma County recently has been named a grant awardee by The Just Trust as part of a state-based campaign, aimed at justice reform initiatives. CJAC is being recognized for its work advancing fair chance hiring – the practice of giving people charged or convicted of crimes an equal shot at good jobs for which they are qualified. Over the coming months, a major outreach initiative will help grow employment options for justice-involved people. As an organization that works closely with the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, fair chance hiring is a worthy cause that CJAC is uniquely suited to take on.
Research has shown that the two most significant indicators of long-term success for those leaving the justice system are 1) housing and 2) employment. As housing is certainly hinged on employment, quality jobs are the best path back to a normal life for the tens of thousands of our justice-involved neighbors.
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